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The Ashdown Bird Group was set up in 1989, in association with the Conservators. Its principal role is to monitor bird life on Ashdown Forest; the data it collects is submitted to the Forest Centre and to the Sussex Ornithological Society. Information we provide to the Forest Centre contributes to the planning of its management and conservation work; the S.O.S. uses the information in a number of ways, including the compilation of its annual Bird Reports, assessing bird populations and status, and, again, for conservation and management. Our members are each allocated an area in which they record (for example) the species of birds seen, how many there are, and any evidence of breeding. Over the years, in addition to this routine monitoring, we have carried out a number of surveys of individual species such as woodlarks, nightjars, and Dartford Warblers. The presence of these heathland birds enables the Forest to retain its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. From this November, we shall be undertaking extra surveys for the B.T.O. Combined Winter and Breeding Bird Atlas 2007/2011. To quote from the S.O.S.’ briefing to its 10km Stewards, “The data gathered during the atlas fieldwork will shape conservation activity, both nationally but also at the local level in Sussex, for many years to come.” But it isn’t all work! In the New Year, we shall be taking part in the annual Bird Race, and we have group trips throughout the year to places such as Rye Harbour, Dungeness, Pagham, Elmley and Pulborough. We also have a three day stay in Norfolk each February, and a visit to the ringing station at Beachy Head. If you like to make a note of the birds you see on the Forest, we would be very glad to have your records. And if you would like to know more about us, or maybe join us, please use the Contact Us page on this website. We look forward to hearing from you.